To date ( June 2004 ), this is the only commentary track by the Coen Brothers. Some may be disappointed, then, at just how normal they are - sharing an easy and humorous commentary with Thornton. Naturally, they don't discuss the meaning of the film but you'll be surprised at how revealing they are about everything else. A lot depends on whether you rate this particular film - they don't talk much about their careers in general ; personally, I think it's one of their best.

A very likeable, relaxed commentary that all true fans of the Coens should enjoy.

commentary track by the Coen Brothers & Billy bob
i heard this a while back cause it was the only track by Coen Brothers

i sat on the porch and rolled it a round
it ok to good

Big Lebowski is the true master piece

6 out of 10

Not very good. A lot of dead air. They spend about half the time talking about how funny they think Thornton's character is. They also reminisce about each scene, anecdotes and whatnot. Even when it's interesting, it's not very detailed.

I do not know why some people do not like this track. I thought it was great. It is funny with a lot of dry humor, informative, and talks about various elements from behind the scenes on the making of the film. And it is the freaking Coen Brothers doing a commentary track, for pete sake.

Some points of interest are talking about how important Billy Bobs posture was for his character, and they put a lot of thought into each position he sat in for different scenes. An interesting character point is how he apologizes every time he says his name, like he is apologizing for his presence. They all talked about how impressed they were with 15 year old Scarlett Johanson, and how they hope she ends with a good long career.

They all loved Thorntons character, and thought about doing an old talk show with the Ed Crane character. Thornton Joked about how the directors would give direction to the cameraman by saying "Crane up", and he would stand up.

They all had a fear of filming a movie in black and white, but were really happy in the end, and credit their DP with why it worked, making it looks like a movie from the 40s, and not like how most modern films in black and white look like a modern film in black and white. Not actually from the 40s.

He jokes about how little dialog he got to say during the filming, and a funny story about his wife visiting and wondering if he really was the star of the movie.

They made fun of how a lot of people look in the film. It is some of the funnier moments, and it is interesting how they wanted their actors to look like different old stars at times.

He says he is asked all the time a few things about the film. People often ask if he had a sexual urge towards Scarlett, and he said he doesnt really have an answer to that. All three talked about whats up with the flashback scene when he remembers his wife chasing off the driveway salesman. Ive heard many different views on it, and their answers dont make me any more sure about which is the right one.

One last thing is that Thornton mentions how he gets asked a lot what he learns about directing his own movies, from working with the Coen brothers, and he really doesnt have an answer to that either. They do all answer a number of questions, but some of the larger ones remain a mystery.